Despite rising price points for meat and poultry, animal protein demand is expected to remain strong in the new year. The combination of higher revenues and falling feed prices is boosting producer optimism. CoBank Animal Protein Economist Brian Earnest joins us for an analysis of the market, including consumer demand for beef, chicken, and poultry, and the overall sentiment in the animal protein sector.
Related Stories
As markets anticipate a return to normal trading following the New Year’s holiday, the possibility of the southern border re-opening to cattle is capturing much attention.
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.
Strong global demand and falling stocks suggest continued price volatility for U.S. coffee buyers despite record world production.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
Lower milk prices may pressure margins, but strong cattle values could soften near-term financial impacts.
Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.